Supporters Gather Near Training Academy

Supporters and protesters waited for word on Eric Robert’s death Monday night.

About 45 supporters gathered near the prison training facility named in Ron “RJ” Johnson’s honor.

Supporters gathered together and prayed together. Some even shouted, “An eye for an eye” prior to Robert's execution.

Emotions outside are very varied from all of the people outside of the Penitentiary. Some people are very bitter still. One woman said the continued events bring back painful emotions. Monday's execution signaled one of the final phases in that process.

Another supporter who knew RJ from his time in prison, said RJ was someone who was liked by workers and inmates alike.

“I think the death penalty is the answer. In court I didn’t agree with what he said. And that if he didn’t do the death penalty, he would end up killing others. He showed no emotion, so I think it was the right thing to do for him,” Johnson family friend Rachel Doese said.

A flag of RJ was carried all night by a neighbor and friend of the Johnsons.